Bicycle operating device

ABSTRACT

A bicycle operating device, having a center axis, comprises a mounting structure configured to be press fitted into a free end of a bicycle handlebar; and an operating structure for an operation of a bicycle component, the operating structure being coupled to the mounting structure.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/878,978, entitled BICYCLE OPERATING DEVICE, filed Oct. 8, 2015, whichis a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/725,868,entitled BICYCLE OPERATING DEVICE, filed May 29, 2015, the entiredisclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference forall purposes.

BACKGROUND

The present invention is directed to a bicycle operating device.

Conventional mounting structures of bicycle bar-end type shiftersinclude expanders. Conventional bar-end type shifters often require atedious mounting step, which involves inserting a mounting structure ofthe bar-end type shifter into an end of the handlebar and then expandingan expander of the bar-end-type shifter using a tool. Further, in theconventional bar-end type shifter, it is difficult to pass an electricalwire or a mechanical control wire through the center of the handlebar.Therefore, a user cannot freely rotate the bar-end type shifter toposition it in a preferred orientation.

SUMMARY

To address the above issues, a bicycle operating device is provided.According to a first aspect of the invention, a bicycle operating deviceis provided that has a center axis and comprises a mounting structureconfigured to be press fitted into a free end of a bicycle handlebar;and an operating structure for an operation of a bicycle component, theoperating structure being coupled to the mounting structure. Onepotential advantage of this configuration is that it is quick and easyto mount the bicycle operating device onto the handlebar.

In this aspect, the mounting structure may be configured to be pressfitted into the free end of the bicycle handlebar without using a tool.One potential advantage of this configuration is that it is quick andeasy to mount the operating device.

In this aspect, the mounting structure may include a holding memberconfigured to hold the mounting structure in the free end of the bicyclehandlebar. One potential advantage of this configuration is that theoperating device may be configured to be lighter since an expandstructure is not necessary.

In this aspect, the holding member may be made of a resin material. Onepotential advantage of this configuration is that the coefficient offriction may be increased to secure the operating device to thehandlebar.

In this aspect, the holding member may be configured to deform when themounting structure is press fitted into the free end of the bicyclehandlebar. One potential advantage of this configuration is that theoperating device may securely fit into the bicycle handlebar.

In this aspect, the holding member may be at least partly elasticallydeformable. One potential advantage of this configuration is that theoperating device may securely fit into the bicycle handlebar.

In this aspect, the mounting structure may include a shaft memberconfigured to extend from the operating structure in an axial directionparallel to the center axis, and the holding member extends in a radialdirection away from the center axis from the shaft member. One potentialadvantage of this configuration is that the dimensions of the operatingdevice are adapted to the radius and axial length of the handlebar.

In this aspect, the holding member may include a plurality of holdingportions. One potential advantage of this configuration is that theholding member may mount the operating device more securely with aplurality of holding portions.

In this aspect, the plurality of holding portions may be disposed alongan axial direction parallel to the center axis so that a gap is formedbetween adjacent holding portions. One potential advantage of thisconfiguration is that a space is provided for the deformation of theholding portions when press fitted into the end of the handlebar.

In this aspect, the holding member may include a support portiondisposed between the plurality of holding portions and the operatingstructure in an axial direction, and an axial length of the supportportion is greater than an axial length each of the holding portions.One potential advantage of this configuration is that the strength ofthe mounting structure is enforced to withstand an operating force bythe rider to operate an operating structure.

In this aspect, the shaft member may include a through hole extendingalong the axial direction parallel to the center axis from the operatingstructure. One potential advantage of this configuration is that apassage is provided for an electrical cable so that the cable will nothave to pass outside the mounting structure.

In this aspect, the center axis may pass through the through hole. Onepotential advantage of this configuration is that the angular positionof the operating device with respect to the handlebar about the centeraxis is not restricted by the electrical cable which passes through thethrough hole.

In this aspect, the operating structure may include an electrical switchunit configured to output a signal to operate the bicycle component andan electrical cable electrically connected to the electrical switchunit, the electrical cable being disposed inside the through hole. Onepotential advantage of this configuration is that a passage is providedfor an electrical cable so that the cable will not have to pass outsidethe mounting structure.

In this aspect, the holding member may have an annular shape. Onepotential advantage of this configuration is that the holding member isadapted to a handlebar with an annular-shaped diameter.

In this aspect, the operating structure may include a housing member,the holding member has a first axial length in a direction of the centeraxis, and the housing member may have a second axial length in thedirection of the center axis, the second axial length being shorter thanor equal to the first axial length. One potential advantage of thisconfiguration is that the press fitted mounting structure providesstable support for the operating device.

In this aspect, the operating structure may include an electrical switchunit configured to output a signal to operate the bicycle component. Onepotential advantage of this configuration is that, unlike certainhydraulic systems, minimal force is required by the user to output asignal.

In this aspect, the mounting structure may include a switch unit supportmember for supporting the electrical switch unit. One potentialadvantage of this configuration is that the electrical switch unit maybe securely mounted onto the bicycle.

In this aspect, the switch unit support member may be at least partiallydisposed inside the operating structure. One potential advantage of thisconfiguration is that the switch unit support member is secured insidethe operating structure.

In this aspect, the mounting structure may include an inlet opening towhich an electrical cable electrically connected to the electricalswitch unit is inserted, the switch unit support member being disposedadjacent to the inlet opening. One potential advantage of thisconfiguration is that operating structure may be structurally integratedwith the mounting structure.

In this aspect, the electrical switch unit may be supported on theswitch unit support member so that at least part of the electricalswitch unit is disposed within the bicycle handlebar in a state wherethe mounting structure is press fitted into the free end of the bicyclehandlebar. One potential advantage of this configuration is that thelength of the operating structure and the housing member can be madeshorter.

In this aspect, the mounting structure may include an additional holdingmember attached to the holding member. One potential advantage of thisconfiguration is that the mounting properties of the operating deviceare augmented with an additional holding member.

In this aspect, the additional holding member may be detachably attachedto the holding member. One potential advantage of this configuration isthat the mounting properties of the operating device are flexiblyconfigured by the user.

In this aspect, the operating structure may include a housing member inwhich at least part of the electrical switch unit is to be disposed, thehousing member comprises at least part of a peripheral surface of theoperating structure, and the peripheral surface of the operatingstructure may be substantially axially symmetrical with respect to thecenter axis. One potential advantage of this configuration is that theoperation of the electrical switch unit, disposed on the housing member,is more conveniently accessible.

In this aspect, the peripheral surface may be tapered in an axialdirection parallel to the center axis. One potential advantage of thisconfiguration is that the peripheral surface is oriented in such a waythat allows the user to easily operate it manually.

In this aspect, the electrical switch unit may include a user operatingmember which constitutes a part of the peripheral surface of theoperating structure. One potential advantage of this configuration isthat the user operating member, constituting a part of the peripheralsurface, is more conveniently accessible.

In this aspect, the electrical switch unit may include a user operatingmember configured to be operated in an axial direction parallel to thecenter axis. One potential advantage of this configuration is that theelectrical switch unit is conveniently accessible to be operated by auser's fingers when the handlebar is gripped by a user's hand.

In this aspect, the electrical switch unit may include a wirelesstransmitter configured to transmit a wireless signal to operate thebicycle component. One potential advantage of this configuration is thatelectrical cables are not necessary to communicate between theelectrical switch unit and the bicycle component.

In this aspect, the operating structure may include a power supplyconfigured to supply an electrical power to the electrical switch unit.One potential advantage of this configuration is that extra power cablesare not necessary to supply electrical power from outside the operatingstructure.

In another aspect, a bicycle operating device is provided that has acenter axis and comprises a mounting structure configured to be pressfitted into a free end of a bicycle handlebar. An operating structureincludes an electrical switch unit configured to output a signal tooperate a bicycle component and a housing member in which at least partof the electrical switch unit is to be disposed, the operating structurebeing coupled to the mounting structure. The holding member has a firstaxial length in an axial direction parallel to the center axis and thehousing member has a second axial length in the axial direction parallelto the center axis, the second axial length being shorter than or equalto the first axial length. The potential advantages of thisconfiguration are that the user may freely rotate the operating deviceso that it may be positioned in a preferred orientation, mounting isquick and easy, and the operating device is configured to be lighterbecause an expand structure is not necessary.

In another aspect, a bicycle operating device is provided that has acenter axis and comprises a mounting structure configured to be mountedinto a free end of a bicycle handlebar. An operating structure includesan electrical switch unit configured to output a signal to operate abicycle component and a housing member in which at least part of theelectrical switch unit is to be disposed. The operating structure iscoupled to the mounting structure, and a length of the housing member inan axial direction parallel to the center axis is less than 35 mm. Thepotential advantages of this configuration is that the size of theoperating device is compact due to the shortened length of the housingmember.

In another aspect, a bicycle operating device comprises a mountingstructure configured to be mounted into a free end of a bicyclehandlebar. An operating structure includes an electrical switch unitconfigured to output a signal to operate a bicycle component, theoperating structure being coupled to the mounting structure. At leastpart of the electrical switch unit is disposed in the bicycle handlebarin a state where the mounting structure is mounted into the free end ofthe bicycle handlebar. One potential advantage of this configuration isthat the length of the operating structure and the housing member can bemade shorter.

In another aspect, a bicycle operating device is provided that has acenter axis and comprises a mounting structure configured to be mountedinto a free end of a bicycle handlebar. An operating structure iscoupled to the mounting structure. The operating structure includes anelectrical switch unit configured to output a signal to operate abicycle component, and a housing member in which at least part of theelectrical switch unit is to be disposed, the housing member comprisingat least part of a peripheral surface of the operating structure,wherein the peripheral surface of the operating structure issubstantially axially symmetrical with respect to the center axis. Onepotential advantage of this configuration is that the length of theoperating structure and the housing member can be made shorter.

In this aspect, the peripheral surface may be tapered in an axialdirection parallel to the center axis. One potential advantage of thisconfiguration is that the peripheral surface is oriented in such a waythat allows the user to easily operate it manually.

In this aspect, the electrical switch unit may include a user operatingmember which constitutes a part of the peripheral surface of theoperating structure. One potential advantage of this configuration isthat the user operating member, constituting a part of the peripheralsurface, is more conveniently accessible.

In another aspect, the holding member may be a separate member from theshaft member and configured to be detachably attached to the shaftmember. One potential advantage of this configuration is that a user mayeasily interchange different holding members that are adapted fordifferently sized handlebars.

In this aspect, the holding member is selected from one of a pluralityof differently sized holding members, and the holding members each havea different outside diameter. One potential advantage of thisconfiguration is that the holding members are adapted for differentlysized handlebars.

In this aspect, the shaft member includes a first inner periphery with afirst diameter and a second inner periphery with a second diameter, thefirst diameter being less than the second diameter and the second innerperiphery being located closer to an electrical switch unit of theoperating structure than the first inner periphery. One potentialadvantage of this configuration of the tapered shaft member is that itsupports the tapered configuration of the holding member.

In this aspect, at least one of the plurality of holding portions istapered in an axial direction parallel to the center axis. One potentialadvantage of this configuration is that the tapered shape of the holdingmember makes the force needed for press fitting the mounting structureinto the handlebar less than the force needed to remove the mountingstructure from the handlebar.

In this aspect, the at least one of the plurality of holding portionsincludes a first outer periphery with a first outer diameter and asecond outer periphery with a second outer diameter, the first outerdiameter being less than the second outer diameter and the second outerperiphery being located closer to the operating structure than the firstouter periphery. One potential advantage of this configuration is thatthe tapered shape of the holding member makes the force needed for pressfitting the mounting structure into the handlebar less than the forceneeded to remove the mounting structure from the handlebar.

In this aspect, the operating structure includes a user operatingmember, and the center axis intersects the user operating member. Onepotential advantage of this configuration is that the alignment of theuser operating member along the center axis of the handlebar improvesaccessibility.

In this aspect, the user operating member is pivotally attached to oneof the mounting structure and a housing member of the operatingstructure about a pivot axis. One potential advantage of thisconfiguration is that the pivot attachment forms part of a mechanismthat allows the user to conveniently click or press against a button.

In this aspect, the pivot axis is substantially perpendicular to thecenter axis. One potential advantage of this configuration is that theuser's pressing action is aligned with the handlebar when gripped duringnormal usage.

In this aspect, the electrical switch unit includes a button that islocated on an opposite side of the center axis from the pivot axis asviewed from an axial direction of the pivot axis. One potentialadvantage of this configuration is that the button may be easilyoperated by pressing against the user operating member.

In this aspect, the user operating member includes a curved shape asviewed from an axial direction of the pivot axis. One potentialadvantage of this configuration is that the user operating member may beeasily pressed by one finger while gripping the handlebar.

In this aspect, the pivot axis is located at one end of the one of themounting structure and the housing member. The user operating memberextends from the pivot axis to the other end of the one of the mountingstructure and the housing member as viewed from the axial direction ofthe pivot axis. One potential advantage of this configuration is thatthe user operating member can be easily operated by pressing against anypoint between the pivot axis and the other end of the mounting structureor housing member.

In this aspect, the bicycle operating device further comprises anelectrical cable connector. One potential advantage of thisconfiguration is that the electrical cable may freely move radially torelieve cable tension.

In this aspect, the mounting structure includes an electrical connectorholder supporting the electrical cable connector. One potentialadvantage of this configuration is that the axial movement toward andaway from the user operating member may be restricted.

In this aspect, the electrical cable connector is snap-fitted into theelectrical connector holder. One potential advantage of thisconfiguration is that the electrical cable may be easily attached ordetached from the bicycle operating device during assembly ordisassembly.

In this aspect, the mounting structure includes a shaft member with aholding portion formed on an external surface thereof, and theelectrical connector holder is formed on an internal surface of theshaft member. One potential advantage of this configuration is that theelectrical connector holder does not need to be formed out of a separatepart, and it may be formed out of an existing structure instead.

In another aspect, the mounting structure includes an additional holdingmember that includes an elastic ring. One potential advantage of thisconfiguration is that additional contact points may be provided with theinterior of the handlebar to improve friction and adhesion.

In this aspect, the elastic ring is an O-ring. One potential advantageof this configuration is that O-rings are easily manufactured andreadily available to be repurposed into additional holding members.

In this aspect, the additional holding member includes a plurality ofelastic rings. One potential advantage of this configuration is thatadditional contact points may be provided with the interior of thehandlebar to improve friction and adhesion.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore,the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solveany or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not by wayof limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which thelike reference numerals indicate like elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a bicycle operating device provided on a bicycleaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a conventional art bar-end type shifter mounted on ahandlebar of a bicycle according to one embodiment of the prior art.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate perspective views of a bicycle operatingdevice provided on a free end of a bicycle handlebar according to thefirst embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a bicycle operating deviceprovided with a housing member, a switch unit support member, a holdingmember, and an additional holding member according to the firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of a mounting structure of abicycle operating device with an inlet opening and switch unit supportmember according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5A illustrates a user operating member according to the firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B illustrates an electrical switch unit according to the firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate perspective views of a bicycle operatingdevice provided on a free end of a bicycle handlebar according to thesecond embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a holding member and switchunit support member of a bicycle operating device according to thesecond embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8A illustrates an electrical switch unit and user operating memberaccording to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8B illustrates a housing member according to the second embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 8C illustrates an operating structure with an electrical switchunit and housing member according to the second embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate perspective views of a bicycle operatingdevice provided on a free end of a bicycle handlebar according to thethird embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a mounting structure with a holding member thatincludes holding portions according to the third embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a mounting structure showingthe holding member and the shaft member according to the thirdembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a mounting structure with at least an additionalholding member according to the fourth embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Selected embodiments of the present invention will now be described withreference to the accompanying drawings. It will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art from this disclosure that the following descriptionsof the embodiments of the invention are provided for illustration onlyand not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by theappended claims and their equivalents.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a bicycle operating device 10 is providedaccording to one embodiment of the present invention. A bicycle 1 isprovided with a bicycle operating device 10 having a mounting structurethat is configured to be press fitted into a free end 5 b of the bicyclehandlebar 5. Alternatively, the mounting structure may be configured tobe press fitted into a free end of an aero bar 7, or any otherattachment that is provided with the handlebar 5. The bicycle operatingdevice 10 may constitute brake/shift control devices or other controldevices that affect the operation of the bicycle, constituting parts ofthe brake and shift control systems of the bicycle. Thus, the bicycleoperating device 10 may be coupled to bicycle components, such as afront derailleur 4 a or the rear derailleur 4 b that are provided on aframe 6 to change gears on a front wheel 2 a or a rear wheel 2 b,respectively. Alternatively, the bicycle operating device 10 may becoupled to a front brake 3 a or rear brake 3 b of the bicycle 1 that areprovided on the frame 6 to apply brakes on a front wheel 2 a or a rearwheel 2 b, respectively. It will be appreciated that the bicycleoperating device 10 may be coupled to other components of the bicycle 1,such as an electrically operated bicycle suspension or an electricallyoperated height adjustable seatpost in other embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 2, a conventional art bar-end type shifter 212,mounted onto a bicycle handlebar 5, is described. The conventionalbar-end type shifter 212 is provided with expansion members 242 that arecoupled together by an expandable ring member 244. In thisconfiguration, when the fixing bolt 240 is rotated to move towards theouter tapered surface 230 b of the handlebar mounting portion 230, theinclined surfaces of the fixing bolt 240 and the outer tapered surface230 b cooperate to move the expansion members 242 and the expandablering member 244 radially outward, thus securely mounting the bar-endtype shifter 212 in position inside the free end 5 b of the handlebar 5.However, the mounting procedure is tedious for a user, since the userneeds to use a tool to rotate the fixing bolt 240 after inserting themounting structure into the free end 5 b of the handlebar 5.Furthermore, in the conventional art bar-end type shifter 212, anelectrical wire or a mechanical control wire is not configured to bedisposed in the center of the handlebar, because there is insufficientspace to pass the electrical wire or the mechanical control wire throughinside the center of the handlebar 5. Thus, the user is unable to freelyrotate the bar-end type shifter 212 and position it in a preferredorientation.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, a bicycle operating device 10 having acenter axis A is shown according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of the bicycle operatingdevice 10 from the same perspective angle of the bicycle handlebar 5 asFIG. 2, while FIG. 3B illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional sideview of the bicycle operating device 10. In this embodiment, the bicycleoperating device 10 comprises a mounting structure 12 configured to bepress fitted into a free end 5 b of a bicycle handlebar 5 without usinga tool, and an operating structure 14, which includes a housing member30, for an operation of a bicycle component 28 that is operativelycoupled to the bicycle operating device 10. In this embodiment, thehousing member 30 of the operating structure 14 may be coupled to themounting structure 12 by snap-fit, bolt fastener, welding, bonding,adhesive, and/or the like and comprise resin material. In the firstembodiment, the length of the housing member 30 in an axial directionparallel to the center axis A is preferably less than 35 mm, and morepreferably 28 mm or less. Since the length of the housing member 30 isshorter than the conventional bar-end type shifter, it is difficult forthe rider to grip the housing member 30 during riding. Thus, it urgesthe rider to grip not the housing member 30, but the handlebar 5 and itleads to a reduction of a load applied to the housing member 30 by therider. As described previously, the bicycle component 28 may be anycomponent of the bicycle, such as brakes or derailleurs, which may beoperatively coupled to the bicycle operating device 10. In FIGS. 3A, 3B,6A, and 6B, the bicycle component 28 is depicted as a rear derailleur,although the bicycle component may be another component such as a frontderailleur, front or rear brake, etc.

Referring to FIG. 3B, the mounting structure 12 includes a holdingmember 16, which includes a plurality of holding portions 18 that areconfigured to hold the mounting structure 12 in the free end 5 b of thebicycle handlebar 5. The holding member 16 is preferably made of a resinmaterial, such as polyamide, fiber reinforced plastics, glass reinforcedplastics, and rubber, among others, or any other flexible material sothat the holding member 16 is at least partly elastically deformable.The holding member 16 preferably has an annular shape, but may be of anyother shape that conforms to the dimensions of the interior of the freeend 5 b of the bicycle handlebar 5. In FIG. 3B, the dotted lines B and Cillustrate the outline of the inner peripheral surface of the free end 5b of the bicycle handlebar 5 that the holding member 16 must adapt towhen being press fitted in place. In accordance with this embodiment ofthe present invention, even if the lengths of the individual holdingportions 18 exceed the dimensions of the interior of the bicyclehandlebar 5 as outlined by the dotted lines B and C, the holding member16 is configured to deform when the mounting structure 12 is pressfitted into the free end 5 b of the bicycle handlebar 5. To furtherfacilitate the deformation of the holding portions 18, the plurality ofholding portions 18 is disposed along an axial direction parallel to thecenter axis A so that a gap is formed between the adjacent holdingportions 18, providing even more space for deformation. Furthermore, theradial tip of the holding member 16 is deformed by the press fitting ofthe mounting structure 12, so that a force needed for press fitting themounting structure 12 into the free end 5 b of the bicycle handlebar 5is less than the force needed for removing it the mounting structure 12from the free end 5 b of the bicycle handlebar 5.

Referring further to FIG. 3B, the mounting structure 12 further includesa shaft member 22 configured to extend from the operating structure 14in an axial direction parallel to the center axis A, and the holdingmember 16 extends in a radial direction away from the center axis A fromthe shaft member 22. It will be appreciated that the lengths of theplurality of holding portions 18 in a radial direction may be differentfrom each other (some may be longer than others in the radial directionwhen elastically deformed during press fitting). Alternatively, thelengths of the plurality of holding portions 18 in the radial directionmay be same as each other. The holding member 16 also includes a supportportion 20 disposed between the plurality of holding portions 18 and theoperating structure 14 in the axial direction, and an axial length ofthe support portion 20 is greater than an axial length of each of theholding portions 18. In accordance with this embodiment of the presentinvention, the support portion 20 is arranged for the strength of themounting structure 12 against an operating force by the rider to operatethe operating structure 14. Furthermore, the axial lengths of theholding member 16 and the housing member 30 in the direction of thecenter axis A are configured so that the latter is shorter than or equalto the former. In other words, when the operating structure 14 includesa housing member 30 having a second axial length X2 in the direction ofthe center axis A, and the holding member 16 has a first axial length X1in a direction of the center axis A, the second axial length X2 isshorter than or equal to the first axial length X1. This ensures stablesupport of the bicycle operating device 10 when press fitted into thebicycle handlebar 5, especially since the mounting structure 12 is notfixed by a fastener such as a bolt. However, in other embodiments, thefirst axial length X1 may be shorter than or equal to the second axiallength X2. The shaft member 22 further includes a through hole 24,extending along the axial direction parallel to the center axis A fromthe operating structure 14. The center axis A passes through the throughhole 24, inside which an electrical cable 26 is disposed. Since thecenter axis A passes through the through hole 24, the angular positionof the bicycle operating device 10 with respect to the handlebar 5 aboutthe center axis A is not restricted by the electrical cable 26 whichpasses through the through hole 24. Further, it is easy to adjust theangular position of the bicycle operation device 10 with respect to thehandlebar 5 about the center axis A, since the mounting structure 12 isnot fixed by a fastener such as a bolt but only press fitted into thefree end 5 b of the bicycle handlebar 5 without a tool.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the operating structure 14 includes an electricalswitch unit 32 configured to output a signal to operate the bicyclecomponent 28 and an electrical cable 26 electrically connected to theelectrical switch unit 32, the electrical cable 26 being disposed insidethe through hole 24. To support the electrical switch unit 32, themounting structure 12 includes a switch unit support member 38, which isat least partially disposed inside the operating structure 14 (see FIGS.4A-B for alternative cross-sectional view and perspective view with thehousing member 30 and electrical switch unit 32 removed in FIG. 4B forclarity). Typically, in the first embodiment, the electrical switch unit32 is disposed outside the bicycle handlebar 5. However, alternativelyor in addition, the electrical switch unit 32 may be supported on aswitch unit support member 38 that is at least partially disposed insidethe operating structure 14, so that at least part of the electricalswitch unit 32 is disposed within the bicycle handlebar 5 in a statewhere the mounting structure 12 is press fitted into the free end 5 b ofthe bicycle handlebar 5, thus allowing the length of the housing member30 to be shorter. The switch unit support member 38 may be included inthe mounting structure 12 and integrally formed with the shaft member 22and the holding member 16. In this embodiment, the switch unit supportmember 38 is disposed adjacent to the inlet opening 40 (see FIG. 4B)into which the electrical cable 26 electrically connected to theelectrical switch unit 32 is inserted. At least part of the electricalswitch unit 32 is disposed in the housing member 30, which comprises atleast part of a peripheral surface of the operating structure 14. Theperipheral surface of the operating structure 14 is substantiallyaxially symmetrical with respect to the center axis A, so that everycross section of the peripheral surface of the operating structure 14that is perpendicular to the center axis A is substantially a circle.The peripheral surface may be tapered in an axial direction parallel tothe center axis A.

Referring to FIG. 4A, the mounting structure 12 may further include anadditional holding member 42, which is attached or detachably attachedto the holding member 16 as indicated by the black arrow. The additionalholding member 42 may be a resin sheet, made of rubber or flexibleplastics, which is wound around the holding member 16 to adjust thepress fitting strength between the handlebar 5 and the mountingstructure 12. The additional holding member 42 is configured to adjust adiameter of the mounting structure 12. The additional holding member 42is also configured to adjust a friction between the mounting structure12 and the inner peripheral surface of the free end 5 b of the bicyclehandlebar 5. Accordingly, the mounting structure 12 can be configured tobe press fitted into a free end 5 b of a bicycle handlebar 5 withdifferent inner diameters. The dimensions of the additional holdingmember 42 are not particularly limited, and may be provided in a tubularshape or as a spacer, tape, plate, and the like. A power supply 44 maybe included in the operating structure 14, configured to supply anelectrical power to the electrical switch unit 32 to transmit thewireless signal via the wireless transmitter 36 shown in FIG. 5B, thusobviating the need to configure power cables that supply electricalpower from outside the operating structure 14. Alternatively, the powersupply may be configured to be disposed in the mounting structure 12, oroutside of the bicycle operating device 10, instead of being disposed inthe operating structure 14 to downsize the dimensions of the operatingstructure 14. Further, the power supply may be a battery (e.g.rechargeable battery, solar battery), or an electric generator (e.g.piezoelectric elements).

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the electrical switch unit 32 includes auser operating member 34 which constitutes a part of the peripheralsurface of the operating structure 14. The user operating member 34 mayfurther be configured to be operated in a direction different from thecenter axis A, making the electrical switch unit conveniently accessibleto be operated by a user's fingers when the handlebar is gripped by auser's hand. Specifically, the user operating member 34 is operated in adirection toward the center axis A. Alternatively or in addition, awireless transmitter 36 may be further included in the electrical switchunit 32, configured to transmit a wireless signal to operate the bicyclecomponent 28, thus obviating the need to configure an electrical cablethat communicates with a bicycle component. It will be appreciated thatthe user operating member 34 does not protrude from the peripheralsurface of the operating structure 14. This is to ensure that theelectrical switch unit 32 is not inadvertently activated by accident.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, a bicycle operating device 110 having acenter axis A is shown according to a second embodiment of the presentinvention. Since the structure of the second embodiment is generallysimilar to the first embodiment, the detailed description thereof isabbreviated here for the sake of brevity. It is to be noted that likeparts are designated by like reference numerals throughout the detaileddescription and the accompanying drawings. FIG. 6A illustrates a sideview of the bicycle operating device 110 from the same perspective angleof the bicycle handlebar 5 as FIGS. 2 and 3A, while FIG. 6B illustratesa longitudinal cross-sectional side view of the bicycle operating device110. In this embodiment, a mounting structure 112 is configured to bemounted into a free end 5 b of a bicycle handlebar 5. The operatingstructure 114 includes an electrical switch unit 132 configured tooutput a signal to operate a bicycle component 28, the operatingstructure 114 being coupled to the mounting structure 112.

Unlike the illustrated configuration of the first embodiment, at leastpart of the electrical switch unit 132 is disposed within the bicyclehandlebar 5 in a state where the mounting structure 112 is mounted intothe free end 5 b of a bicycle handlebar 5. Accordingly, the holdingmember 116 of the second embodiment does not need to include a supportportion that is disposed between the holding portion 118 and theoperating structure 114 in an axial direction to strengthen the mountingstructure 112, since a portion of the operating structure 114 functionsas a support portion. It will also be appreciated that, in theillustrated configuration of the second embodiment, the electrical cable126 is not disposed in a through hole of a shaft member. Rather, in theillustrated configuration, the electrical cable 126 is disposed outsideof the mounting structure 112 and the bicycle handlebar 5, theelectrical cable 126 being described as a solid line shown in FIGS. 6Aand 6B. However, in an alternative configuration of the secondembodiment, the electrical cable 126 may be configured like the firstembodiment, disposed in a through hole of a shaft member 122 and withinthe bicycle handlebar 5, the electrical cable 126 being described as abroken line shown in FIG. 6A. It will be noted that, in the secondembodiment, the second axial length X2 of the housing member 130 is muchshorter than the first axial length X1 of the holding member 116,ensuring enhanced support of the bicycle operating device 110 when pressfitted into the bicycle handlebar 5.

Referring to FIG. 7, the mounting structure 112 and operating structure114 of the second embodiment are depicted with the electrical switchunit, user operating member, and housing member removed for clarity.Unlike the first embodiment, the second embodiment does not include aninlet opening into which the electrical cable 126 electrically connectedto the electrical switch unit is inserted. Instead, the electrical cable126 is inserted into the cutout portion 140, which is provided on alateral wall of the operating structure 114, so that the electricalcable 126 is disposed outside of the mounting structure 112 and thebicycle handlebar 5. However, in other configurations of the secondembodiment, the electrical cable 126 may be configured like the firstembodiment, inserted into an inlet opening and disposed within thebicycle handlebar 5 b. Furthermore, the switch unit support member 138is configured to support the electrical switch unit adjacent to thecutout portion 140, so that an electrical cable 126 electricallyconnected to the electrical switch unit extends from the operatingstructure 114 to be disposed outside of the mounting structure 112 andthe bicycle handlebar 5.

Referring to FIGS. 8A-C, an electrical switch unit 132 and useroperating member 134 of the second embodiment are depicted along with ahousing member 130. In FIG. 8A, the user operating member 134 of theelectrical switch unit 132 is shown separately from the housing member130. In FIG. 8B, the housing member 130 is depicted in isolation. InFIG. 8C, the housing member 130 and the user operating member 134 of theelectrical switch unit 132 are depicted when assembled together as oneoperating structure 114. In accordance with the second embodiment, theuser operating member 134 is configured to be operated in an axialdirection parallel to the center axis A, with the user operating member134 constituting a part of the peripheral surface of the operatingstructure. The housing member 130 is configured in a torus shape with aninner diameter that fits the shape of the exposed surface of the useroperating member 134, and an outer diameter that is configured tosubstantially contact and cover the entire rim and outer diameter of thebicycle handlebar 5, when the bicycle operating device 110 is pressfitted into the bicycle handlebar 5. In the second embodiment, thelength of the housing member 130 in an axial direction parallel to thecenter axis A is preferably less than 35 mm, and more preferably 5 mm orless. Alternatively, the length may be of another suitable dimension.Compared to the first embodiment, the first axial length X1 of theholding member 116 is substantially longer than the second axial lengthX2 of the housing member 130, ensuring enhanced support of the bicycleoperating device 110 inside the bicycle handlebar 5. It will beappreciated that, despite the shortened length of the housing member 130relative to the first embodiment, the peripheral surface of theoperating structure 114 is still tapered in an axial direction parallelto the center axis A. It will also be noted that the electrical switchunit 132 includes a user operating member 134 which constitutes a partof the peripheral surface of the operating structure 114. The useroperating member 134 may further be configured to be operated in adirection parallel to the center axis A. More specifically, the useroperating member 134 may further be configured to be operated toward thefree end 5 b of the bicycle handlebar 5. This ensures stable support ofthe bicycle operating device 110 when the user operating member 134 isoperated by a user's finger.

Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, a bicycle operating device 310 having acenter axis A is shown according to a third embodiment of the presentinvention. Since the structure of the third embodiment is generallysimilar to the first and second embodiments, the detailed descriptionthereof is abbreviated here for the sake of brevity. It is to be notedthat like parts are designated by like reference numerals throughout thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings. FIG. 9A illustratesa side view of the bicycle operating device 310 from the sameperspective angle of the bicycle handlebar 5 as FIGS. 2, 3A, and 6A,while FIG. 9B illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional side view ofthe bicycle operating device 310. In this embodiment, the mountingstructure 312 that is mounted into a free end 5 b of a bicycle handlebar5 has a holding member 316 with a plurality of tapered, wedge-shapedholding portions 318. The operating structure 314 includes a curved useroperating member 334 that is coupled to a curved housing member 330. Anelectrical cable 326 passes along the central axis A of the bicyclehandlebar 5 and bicycle operating device 310 to electrically connect theelectrical switch unit 332 with a bicycle component 28. In thisembodiment, the length of the housing member 330 in an axial directionparallel to the center axis A is preferably 13 mm or less. Like thesecond embodiment, when the first axial length X1 in a direction of thecenter axis A is defined as the length of the holding member 316, andthe second axial length X2 in the direction of the center axis A isdefined as the length of the operating structure 314, the second axiallength X2 is shorter than or equal to the first axial length X1, thusensuring stable support of the bicycle operating device 310 when pressfitted into the bicycle handlebar 5.

Referring to FIG. 9B, the user operating member 334 is pivotallyattached to one of the mounting structure 312 and a housing member 330of the operating structure 314 about a pivot axis D, which issubstantially perpendicular to the center axis A. The center axis Aintersects the user operating member 334. In this view, the housingmember 330 has been removed for clarity. The electrical switch unit 332includes a button 335 that is located on an opposite side of the centeraxis A from the pivot axis D as viewed from an axial direction of thepivot axis D. The user operating member 334 includes a curved shape asviewed from an axial direction of the pivot axis D. The pivot axis D islocated at one end of one of the mounting structure 312 and the housingmember 330. The user operating member 334 extends from the pivot axis Dto the other end of one of the mounting structure 312 and the housingmember 330 as viewed from the axial direction of the pivot axis D. Acircuit board 337, electrically connected by an electrical cable 326 tothe electrical cable connector 317, is provided adjacent to the button335 within the electrical switch unit 332 to output a signal to operatethe bicycle component 28. The electrical cable connector 317,electrically connected by the electrical cable 326 to the bicyclecomponent 28, has an indentation 317 b that accommodates a restrictingpart 321 included in the mounting structure 312 to hold the electricalcable connector 317 in place and restrict its axial movement. On theother hand, the electrical cable connector 317 may allow free radialmovement of the electrical cable 326 to relieve cable tension.

For example, when a user operates the bicycle operating device 310 bypressing against the user operating member 334, the user operatingmember 334 moves about a pivot 323 defining the pivot axis D, anddepresses the button 335, thereby activating the electrical switch unit332. In response, the circuit board 337 within the electrical switchunit 332 outputs a signal that is conducted along the electrical cable326, through the electrical cable connector 317 to the bicycle component28 which receives the signal. It will be appreciated that the pivot 323and/or the button 335 may be equipped with a spring or other elasticmechanism that creates some resistance when the user presses against theuser operating member 334 and the button 335.

Referring to FIGS. 9B and 10, the mounting structure 312 includes aholding member 316, which includes a plurality of holding portions 318that are configured in wedged shapes to hold the mounting structure 312in the free end 5 b of the bicycle handlebar 5. Since the bicyclehandlebar 5 may come in different diameters, the holding member 316 isselected from a plurality of differently sized holding members, eachhaving a different outside diameter. Accordingly, a user may select aholding member with an outside diameter that is the appropriate size forthe bicycle handlebar 5. Like the first and second embodiments, theholding member 316 is at least partly elastically deformable, so that itdeforms when the mounting structure 312 is press fitted into the freeend 5 b of the bicycle handlebar 5 to accommodate its diameter. Thewedged shapes are achieved by tapering at least one of the plurality ofholding portions 318 in an axial direction parallel to the center axis,so that the diameter of each holding portion 318 becomes smaller as itextends away from the operating structure 314. Namely, at least one ofthe plurality of holding portions 318 includes a first outer peripherywith a first outer diameter and a second outer periphery with a secondouter diameter. The first outer diameter is less than the second outerdiameter and the second outer periphery is located closer to theoperating structure 314 than the first outer periphery. Accordingly, theforce needed to remove the bicycle operating device 310 from the bicyclehandlebar 5 is more than the force needed to press fit it into place.The holding member 316 may also include a non-tapered support portion320 disposed between the holding portion 318 and the operating structure314 in the axial direction.

Referring to FIG. 11, an open cross-sectional view of the mountingstructure 312 of the third embodiment of the invention is shown,exposing the inside of the mounting structure 312, which includes anelectrical connector holder 319 supporting the electrical cableconnector, where the electrical cable connector (not shown) issnap-fitted into the electrical connector holder 319. The electricalcable connector and electrical cable have been removed from this viewfor clarity. In this embodiment, the mounting structure 312 includes ashaft member 322 with a holding portion 318 formed on an externalsurface 322 b of the shaft member 322. The electrical connector holder319 is formed on an internal surface 322 a of the shaft member 322. Theelectrical connector holder 319 is formed as a two-step protrusion, andone of the steps of the protrusion is a restricting part 321 thatengages with the electrical cable connector and restricts its axialmovement, preventing it from sliding toward or away from the useroperating member 334.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, it will be appreciated that the holdingmember 316 is a separate member from the shaft member 322 and configuredto be detachably attached to the shaft member 322. When viewed from theaxial direction of the center axis A, the shaft member 322 forms ahollow cylinder with an external circumference that forms the externalsurface 322 b and a hollow cavity with an internal circumference thatforms the internal surface 322 a, within which the electrical cableconnector is accommodated. The internal surface of the holding member316 directly contacts and forms an interface with the externalcircumference of the shaft member 322 to substantially cover the entireexternal surface 322 b of the shaft member 322. The materials comprisingthe holding member 316 and the shaft member 322 are selected to achievea preferred coefficient of friction between the two materials, which isnot so high so as to prevent the user from easily detaching the holdingmember 316 to replace with a differently sized holding member, but notso low so as to cause the holding member 316 to easily slide off theshaft member 322 during normal usage. Further, the external surface 322b of the shaft member 322 and the internal surface of the holding member316 may undergo a surface roughening treatment to further adjust thecoefficient of friction.

Referring to FIG. 12, a mounting structure 412 is shown according to afourth embodiment of the present invention. Since the structure of thefourth embodiment is generally similar to the third embodiment, thedetailed description thereof is abbreviated here for the sake ofbrevity. The mounting structure 412 may further include at least anadditional holding member 442, which is attached or detachably attachedto the holding member 416. In this embodiment, the additional holdingmember 442 includes a plurality of elastic rings that are providedbetween the holding portions 418. The shape of each holding portion 418may be modified so that at least part of the surface is substantiallyparallel to the center axis of the mounting structure 412, each holdingportion 418 defining a gap that accommodates an additional holdingmember 442. The additional holding member 442 may include an elasticring, made of rubber or flexible plastics, and the elastic ring may beembodied as an O-ring. Accordingly when the user press fits the mountingstructure 412 into the bicycle handlebar 5, both the holding member 416and additional holding member 442 deform to accommodate the diameter ofthe handlebar 5. Compared to the second and third embodiments, themounting structure 412 may provide additional contact points with theinterior of the handlebar 5 to improve friction and adhesion. Further,by selecting attachment of the additional holding member 442, it ispossible to adjust an outer diameter of the mounting structure 412 inaccordance with the diameter of the handlebar 5 to which the mountingstructure 412 is press fitted. The detachable additional holding member442 may be configured to be selected from differently sized additionalholding members.

In the present embodiments, a bicycle operating device is mounted to anend of a handlebar in a press-fitting manner. This achieves thepotential advantage of making it quick and easy to mount the bicycleoperating device to the handlebar. In accordance with the presentinvention, a user can freely rotate the operating device to position itin a preferred orientation. Furthermore, because expanders are notnecessary, the bicycle operating device can be lighter than conventionalmodels.

The term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intendedto be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps. This concept alsoapplies to words of similar meaning, for example, the terms “have”,“include” and their derivatives.

The term “bicycle” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended tobe open ended terms that specify any vehicle or machine with a wheelthat is propelled by the action of a cyclist's feet upon pedals, andencompasses outdoor bicycles, stationary bicycles, exercise cycles,indoor bicycles, and the like.

The terms of degree such as “approximately” as used herein mean areasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the endresult is not significantly changed (e.g., manufacturing tolerances).

The term “detachably attached” or “detachably attaching”, as usedherein, encompasses configurations in which an element directly attachedto another element by directly affixing the element to the other elementwhile the element is detachable from the other element without damage;and configurations in which the element is indirectly attached to theother element via intermediate member(s) while the element is detachablefrom the other element and the intermediate member(s) without damage.This concept also applies to words of similar meaning, for example,“detachably joined”, “detachably connected”, “detachably coupled”,“detachably mounted”, “detachably bonded”, “detachably fixed” and theirderivatives.

While specific embodiments of the bicycle operating device have beendescribed in detail, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant tobe illustrative only and not limiting. The features of the variousembodiments described above, as well as modifications thereof, may bevariously combined without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A bicycle operating device having a centeraxis, the bicycle operating device comprising: an electrical switchunit; a mounting structure including a holding member configured to bepress fitted into a free end of a bicycle handlebar; and an operatingstructure for an operation of a bicycle component, the operatingstructure being coupled to the mounting structure and at least partlydisposed outside with respect to the bicycle handlebar in a state wherethe mounting structure is press-fitted into the free end of the bicyclehandlebar, wherein the operating structure includes a housing member inwhich at least part of the electrical switch unit and a user operatingmember are disposed, the electrical switch unit activated in a directionnon-parallel to the center axis by a movement of the user operatingmember; and a switch unit support member is non-movably provided to theholding member to directly contact the electrical switch unit andstructurally support the electrical switch unit.
 2. The bicycleoperating device according to claim 1, wherein the user operating memberis pivotally attached to one of the mounting structure and the housingmember of the operating structure about a pivot axis.
 3. The bicycleoperating device according to claim 1, wherein the user operating membercomprises a part of a peripheral surface of the operating structure. 4.The bicycle operating device according to claim 3, wherein theperipheral surface is tapered in an axial direction parallel to thecenter axis.
 5. A bicycle operating device having a center axis, thebicycle operating device comprising: an electrical switch unit; anoperating structure for an operation of a bicycle component; and amounting structure including a holding member configured to be pressfitted into a free end of a bicycle handlebar, the holding member havingat least four holding portions configured to hold the mounting structurein the free end of the bicycle handlebar, wherein the operatingstructure includes a housing member in which at least part of theelectrical switch unit and a user operating member are disposed; theelectrical switch unit is activated in a direction non-parallel to thecenter axis by a movement of the user operating member; and a switchunit support member is non-movably provided to the holding member todirectly contact the electrical switch unit and structurally support theelectrical switch unit.
 6. The bicycle operating device according toclaim 5, further comprising: a support portion disposed between theholding portions and the operating structure in an axial directionparallel to the center axis.
 7. The bicycle operating device accordingto claim 6, wherein an axial length of the support portion is greaterthan an axial length of each of the holding portions.
 8. The bicycleoperating device according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of holdingportions is disposed along an axial direction parallel to the centeraxis so that a gap is formed between adjacent holding portions.
 9. Thebicycle operating device according to claim 6, wherein a diameter ofeach of the holding portions being larger than or equal to a diameter ofthe support portion.
 10. A bicycle operating device having a centeraxis, the bicycle operating device comprising: an electrical switchunit; an operating structure for an operation of a bicycle component;and a mounting structure including a holding member configured to bepress fitted into a free end of a bicycle handlebar, the holding memberhaving a plurality of holding portions configured to hold the mountingstructure in the free end of the bicycle handlebar, a diameter of eachof the holding portions being larger than or equal to a diameter of aninterior of the bicycle handlebar, wherein a switch unit support memberis non-movably provided to the holding member to directly contact theelectrical switch unit and structurally support the electrical switchunit.
 11. The bicycle operating device according to claim 10, wherein asupport portion is disposed between the holding portions and theoperating structure in an axial direction parallel to the center axis.12. The bicycle operating device according to claim 11, wherein an axiallength of the support portion is greater than an axial length of each ofthe holding portions.
 13. The bicycle operating device according toclaim 10, wherein the plurality of holding portions is disposed along anaxial direction parallel to the center axis so that a gap is formedbetween adjacent holding portions.
 14. A bicycle operating device havinga center axis, the bicycle operating device comprising: an electricalswitch unit; an operating structure including a housing member andconfigured to operate a bicycle component; a mounting structureincluding a holding member configured to be press fitted into a free endof a bicycle handlebar, the holding member having a plurality of holdingportions configured to hold the mounting structure in the free end ofthe bicycle handlebar, the holding member including a through holeextending through a lengthwise dimension of the holding member, whereinthe center axis is aligned with the through hole so that the center axispasses through the through hole; and a switch unit support member isnon-movably provided to the holding member to directly contact theelectrical switch unit and structurally support the electrical switchunit.
 15. The bicycle operating device according to claim 14, whereinthe electrical switch unit is configured to output a signal to operatethe bicycle component.
 16. The bicycle operating device according toclaim 14, wherein an electrical cable is disposed inside the throughhole.
 17. The bicycle operating device according to claim 16, whereinthe electrical cable is configured to be electrically connected to anelectrical switch configured to output a signal to operate the bicyclecomponent.
 18. The bicycle operating device according to claim 14,wherein the mounting structure further includes a shaft member extendingalong an axial direction parallel to the center axis, and the throughhole extends through the shaft member.
 19. The bicycle operating deviceaccording to claim 18, wherein the shaft member is configured to bedetachably attached to the holding member.